The minute some reviewers see that a band has a female vocalist, they’re falling over themselves to clamour, “Paramore, Paramore, PARAMORE!” But while Paramore are indeed an excellent act, it’s disheartening to see bands pigeonholed so quickly.
In step DIVIDES, a gritty rock quintet from Glasgow. Just a year and half old, and led by vocalist Tasha Cowie, these guys have been making big waves throughout their local scene, headlining shows at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and receiving air play on BBC Radio 1, Kerrang! Radio, and XFM. And this month, they’re going to create a tsunami with the release of their debut EP, ‘Anywhere & Nowhere’.
From the beginning, DIVIDES blast out track after track of pure adrenaline. Title track ‘Anywhere & Nowhere’ is a slow opening, before exploding into a roaring whirlwind of razor sharp riffs and tasty vocals. They continue their assault with ‘Landslide’, creating monolithic riffs that are complemented with melodic hooks and belting choruses, that will cause many fans to lose their voices. It’s so infectious, you can’t help but sing along.
Honest and emotive lyrics make up ‘Spiders’, showing off Cowie’s incredible vocals, which she pulls off with finesse. Her vocals are the female equivalent of Twin Atlantic’s Sam McTrusty – raw and full of power, they complete the band’s energetic sound. Single ‘Flashhood’ marks the end of this short but sweet release. Thunderous drum work and sturdy riffs end the EP with a flourish.
DIVIDES know how to create storming rock anthems that will get people singing along in next to no time, and ‘Anywhere & Nowhere’ is but a mere taste of what they can bring to the table. Can’t wait to see what they do next.
JESS TAGLIANI